Just a reminder that all students receive small group counseling on a weekly basis with an additional opportunity for private sessions. Dennis LeClear (MA, MEd) is our Licensed Professional Counselor who has made such a difference in the lives of many of our students. Counseling is paid for by your private insurance or funding provided by the school...but it never costs you a dime!! If you ever do receive a bill, please let me know as there should never be an out of pocket cost to your family.

One week from tomorrow, the entire school will be visiting the Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills. Due to the distance we need to travel and the limited amount of time we have, the bus will be leaving at 7:40sharp. Any student who arrives after we have left cannot stay at school (all staff will be going) and will have to return home. This trip is made possible by a grant we received and we want everyone to participate. We will have extra seats for parents/guardians. Please let me know by Monday if you would like to attend. Also indicate if you would prefer ham or turkey sandwich in your boxed lunch or if you will bring you own. Admission price is $3. Students need to have their money to me asap. If you cannot afford the admission price for you or your child, please let me know and I will cover it with other funds I have available.

Parent/teacher conferences will start on February 1st and go through the entire week. Please indicate if you would prefer an in person or telephone conference or if you wish to decline. All students need to be accounted for somewhere on the signup sheet. If we talk on a regular basis and you feel that you are up to date on your child's progress, then feel free to decline one. If none of the days/times fit into your schedule, contact me and we will find something that works for your schedule. There will not be school on February 5th but any student that would like to come in and work is welcome to.Link to conferences: http://gatewayacademy.weebly.com/conference-signup.html

February 9th, students will be taking the SASFAB test...."which is used for career exploration for high school and college students. This pen and paper test version is given in an institutional setting such as a high school, college, or vocational school. It is approximately 3 hours and is composed of 8 subtests. Test results are sent to your school for you and your counselor to explore careers (this is called a post-test interpretation). You will also be given an interest inventory (Find Your Interests). Your ASVAB test results and "Find Your Interests" are tools for you to explore different occupations, identify a college major, and find out about your personality." (http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab/what-is-the-asvab.html)

Community service events in February include the Gospel Mission, SPCA, RACC (Richland Area Community Center), and the Sheff Center. We will also be visiting MCTI (February 24) and KVCC (February 29).

The Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) in Plainwell, Michigan, offers vocational and technical training programs and provides services to prepare Michigan residents with disabilities (students who attend alternative high schools meet their definition of disabled) for gainful and competitive employment. Parents are encouraged to attend.

KVCC (Kalamazoo Valley Community College) in Kalamazoo, MI. "Whether students need specialized training, certification or degrees that are ready for work or a solid base to build your academic future on, Kalamazoo Valley has something for everyone." Parents are encouraged to attend.

As I reflect on this week, there are a few things I'd like to share:

1. Edgeunity has not been consistent this week and that has been frustrating for all of us. Please know that I have contacted our representative, in addition our technology department has stepped in help as needed. The issues we've had are not on our end (which is a good thing) and I've been told that Edgeunity is working diligently on resolving the issues. When we have days like we've had, it does reflect on students' progress reports.

2. Twenty one students attended a performance at Miller Auditorium on Wednesday. I was extremely proud of our kids as they behaved in an appropriate manner. It was a great show and the students really enjoyed it.

3. We do not give homework on a regular basis. That being said, because of the snow day and problems with Edgeunity, students who are planning on graduating this year should do extra work outside of school to ensure they finish all classes in time. Students have until June 1, noon to complete classes. Students who do not finish will have to return next year or find another program (if too old to return).

One last thing, March 11 the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department will be visiting our school. Please see attached letter for more information.